By Ethan Guo, Managing Editor
After 25 years leading the River Hill boys lacrosse program, head coach Keith Gonsouland announced that he is stepping down from his position. Gonsouland turned the Hawks into one of Howard County’s most consistent lacrosse programs during his time as head coach. Over the years, he coached hundreds of players and helped build a program known for its competitiveness and strong team culture.
“At the end of the day, I need to be a dad,” Gonsuland said. “Grace has her own games to play, and I want to be there to watch her. I always told myself that when lacrosse starts getting in the way of that. When I’m missing her games because of this job, that’s when I know it’s time to step away.”
For many current players, Gonsouland has been an important part of their experience playing lacrosse at River Hill. His long tenure has allowed him to coach multiple generations of players and become a familiar face around the program.
Senior Will Fortune said Gonsouland had a major impact on the team and its players. “He cared about more than just winning games,” Fortune said. “He wanted us to become better players and better people, and I think that’s something everyone who played for him will remember.”
While coaching has been an important part of Gonsouland’s life, the time commitment that comes with running a high school lacrosse program often made it difficult for him to be there for his family. Stepping away will allow him to spend more time watching his daughter play her sport and be more involved in her life.
Gonsouland’s experience also allowed him to watch the game change. As lacrosse continued to grow, the Hawks faced new opponents and different styles of play while continuing to compete at a high level.
Senior Lucas Ballou said Gonsouland’s experience helped the team prepare for difficult games. “Coach Gonsouland always knew what he was doing,” Ballou said. “He had so much experience, and you could tell he really understood the game. He always knew how to get us ready to play.”
For younger players, Gonsouland’s departure marks the end of an era that they experienced for only part of their high school careers. Sophomore Brody Hudson said that even though he has only played under Gonsouland for a short time, the coach made an impression on him. “He always pushed us to work harder and improve,” Hudson said. “He wanted everyone to get better, and that made us want to keep working.”
Junior Colin Purdue said Gonsouland helped create a team environment where players could learn from both their successes and mistakes. “He taught us that you have to keep working even when things don’t go your way,” Purdue said. “That mentality is something I’ll take with me even after he’s gone.”
Beyond practices and games, Gonsouland became an important part of the River Hill lacrosse community. His time with the program meant that many families and students saw him lead the team year after year.
His departure will mark a significant change for the Hawks as the program prepares for a new coach and a new chapter. Players will have to adjust to new leadership while trying to maintain the standards that Gonsouland established during his time with the team.
For current and former players, however, his impact on River Hill lacrosse will continue beyond his final season. The players he coached and the culture he helped create will remain part of the program.
After years of leading the Hawks, Gonsouland is leaving the program with a legacy built on consistency, competition and relationships with his players. As River Hill looks toward the future, Gonsouland will have more time to focus on his family and watch his daughter compete, something that was often difficult to do during the lacrosse season.